Robredo

August 28, 2012

I normally don’t blog about politics, religion or current events. This is an exception. I have been so deeply moved by the life and death of Secretary Jesse Robredo. I knew of his work from my international development network – CUI and UNICEF. He was a partner in good governance and children’s rights. And the rest, we know from the daily tributes and news coverage.

I took this photo yesterday, August 27, a National Holiday celebrating Heroes’ Day. Our flag has been flying at half-mast in honour of Secretary Jesse Robredo’s death.

I wanted to pay my respects to a man I only met once in an official UNICEF function. I didn’t have a personal connection to the family or to the Cabinet. Last Friday, I waited by the tarmac of Villamor Air Base alongside journalists to witness the arrival of the family and of Secretary Robredo’s remains in Manila.

I wasn’t there in any official capacity or with any duty. I simply wanted to pay my respects and salute this good person.